Overcast and cool - 70F
12/22/2009, Marsh Harbour

So today is the day!

We have arranged a water taxi to pick us up on the boat and ferry us across the Sea of Abacos ( a fifteen minute ride) to Treasure Cay where we have arranged a rental car to allow us to drive south 30 miles to Marsh Harbour, the capital of the Abacos, and third largest city (town) in the Bahamas with a population of 5000.

We have canvased our large group of friends for any requests they might have to purchase things in the BIG city..... an impressive list has developed, as prices are usually 30-50% less in MH than in GTC. We are also taking propane tanks and large wheeled duffel bags to manage our purchases.

As the cost of a taxi from the MH airport to the Treasure Cay ferry terminal is $80, it becomes more cost effective to simply rent an automobile ($60) for the day and do some shopping at the same time. We plan on driving down to the southern tip of the island (another 60 miles), visiting Sandy Point on the west coast for lunch, visit an organic farm and bee-keeper, and then return to MH for the arrival of Anne-Marie at 5pm, followed by a drive north, and another specially chartered ferry ride across the Sea of Abacos ( the last regular ferry leaves at 5pm) to return to our boat in Black Sound in the dark.

Driving should be interesting as I will be renting an american car (left hand steering) and will be driving on the left side of the road. Given my extensive experience with my MGTF at the lake, where I have a right-hand drive car on the right side of the road, this should simply be the inverse! I am considering using a mirror and facing backwards to keep things simple..... I hope Louise and I survive the experience. Fortunately there is only one traffic light in the Abacos, and one round-about...... we shall see!

Another wonderful stroll through New Plymouth last evening, the quiet beauty and simplicity of the place is overwhelming...... we're far from the maddening crowd...

Hope the boat is still here when we return!

glen

Comments [1]

Overcast and cool - 70F
12/21/2009, New Plymouth, GTC

A rather relaxing day in the Bahamas getting ready for our first guest, our beautiful daughter, Anne-Marie.

Given the impending arrival I have been asked to finish up my instrument installation and clean up my mess so that we can re-assemble the rear cabin and make the bed.... so it goes.....

Another three hours twisted into uncomfortable small spaces, I can report that the task has been successfully completed. I never want to see that nest of wires again! let alone try to crimp them together by the light of an LED flashlight rolling about randomly with the waves.... it's over! Done! ( I hope).

Two loads of laundry, a quiet walk on the beach, some phone calls to Canada when the satellite passed by, and good internet access so that I can participate in the FARM redesign with our daughter Michelle.

Everything in the farmhouse is now straight, level and dry.... so now the redesign of the entire interior needs to be undertaken, together with the design of the building sub-systems (electrical, plumbing and heating).

I received a photo from our neighbour at Heart Lake which I have posted to remind me why I am here.....

Cheers!

glen

Comments [1]

Sunny and windy- 40mph
12/20/2009, New Plymouth, GTC

Another day spent relaxing while I continue to ignore the instrument installation.

With the wind blowing hard from the NW we cycled over to the south end of the island and had a great walk along Gillam Bay, yet another spectacular white sand beach without a soul in sight.

I managed to knock down two large coconuts from a palm tree (not without falling down several times), so we''ll try to find some coconut rum and prepare some special drinks when Anne-Marie arrives in a couple of days.

Louise spent the day polishing chrome fittings, and attacking the ever present black mold that wants to grow on every available surface. We've been very fortunate with how clean everything is on board here in the Bahamas, but one still needs to be very vigilant about mold in such a humid environment. Floorboards, hinges, walls, cupboards, everything needs a little wax and polish to eliminate the ever present threat. Yes, it's true... Louise is developing a bit of a fetish..... oh well.........

The north west wind is a dry cool wind so our boat is decorated with towels, duvets, sheets, shorts, etc.... even the cushions from the salon are on deck enjoying the sunshine and breeze! I have my long pants on with a sweater, but still barefoot (and fancy free!).

The christmas lights are lovely in the evening, I'll try to take a photo of the boat this evening....

glen

Comments [2]